Research

Find out more about our research

Taking Part in Research

St Bartholomew & Hollow Way Medical Practice is involved in medical research and from time to time you may be approached to take part. 

Taking part in research is voluntary: you can freely accept or decline, and this will not affect the care that you receive in any way. Even if you agree to take part, you can still withdraw at any time, without having to provide justification. Withdrawing from a study will not affect the care we provide for you.

All research projects carried out at our surgery have been thoroughly checked and approved by the relevant health authorities & ethical committees ensuring it is appropriate and safe to perform. You will always receive clear information about what taking part in a research study would involve and will have the opportunity to ask questions and obtain further details about a study.

All projects are fully compliant with all UK laws (incl. GDPR).

  • You may receive a text message, email or a letter in the post offering you the opportunity to take part in a study (the letter will include some information about the project).
  • Your doctor or nurse may also discuss research opportunities during your usual appointment.
  • You may also be approached by a member of the study team in the waiting area; be assured that this person and their activity will have been approved by the practice.

What you will be asked to do as part of the research will vary from study to study. The Patient Information Sheet for each project will detail what is expected of you. The study team is also there to answer all questions you may have.

Open Studies

We are currently recruiting participants for a number of exciting research projects. To learn more about our open studies, please follow the link below.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact Sophie Maslen or Clare Murray at 01865 244435

Open studies recruiting at our practice

Things You May Want To Know

  • Participation in research is entirely voluntary and you have the right to say ‘No’. Nobody will put pressure on you to take part in research if you do not wish to. You do not have to give us a reason if you decide not to take part.
  • Your care and your relationship with your doctor or nurse will not be affected in any way if you decide not to take part in a research study.
  • You will always receive clear information about what taking part in a research study would involve. The practice will usually provide you with a patient information sheet; then, if you agree to take part, the study team will explain the study to you in more detail and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about it.
  • Nobody from outside this practice will be given your contact details or have access to your medical records without your prior consent. If you do agree to take part in a study, you will be asked to sign a consent form – this will clearly state which parts of your notes (if any) may be looked at for the purposes of the research.
  • You will not be asked to take part in a large number of studies. Most researchers are very specific about the criteria that people need to meet in order to enter their study. Usually this means that only a relatively small number of patients at the practice will be suitable for any one study.

Your Data For Research (GDPR guidelines and anonymous data)

If you do agree to take part in a study, you will be asked to sign a consent form. This will clearly state which parts of your medical notes (if any) may be looked at for the purposes of the research study. Nobody from outside your practice organisation will be given your contact details or have access to your medical records without your prior consent.

What If I Don’t Want To Get Involved In Research?

We recognise that some people may not want to receive information about research studies by post or text message. If you do not want to be contacted about research studies that we may run at the practice in the future, please let us know. If you change your mind at a later date, you can still opt back in at any time.

To opt out of participating in any research studies, please contact Sophie Maslen, Clinical Research Manager on 01865 244435 at the Practice. 

Research in the NHS in Collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Care Research

The NHS is committed to the innovation, and to the promotion, conduct and use of research to improve the current and future health and care of the population.
Clinical Research is a major driver of innovation and central to NHS practice for maintaining and developing high standards of patient care. Participating in Clinical research allows patients to get access to new interventions, treatments, and medicines. Ultimately, investment in research means better and more cost-effective care for patients.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is the nation's largest funder of health and care research and provides the people, facilities and technology that enables research to thrive. Working in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients and the public, they deliver and enable world-class research that transforms people's lives, promotes economic growth and advances science.

St Bartholomew & Hollow Way Medical Practice is part of a network of local practices participating in research activities under the banner of the NIHR: South Central Regional Delivery Network (RDN) and is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to enable the health and care system to attract, optimise and deliver research across England. The new RDN structure replaces the Clinical Research Network (CRN) from the 1st October 2024. 

The RDN will build on the success of the CRN with their vision for the UK to be a global leader in the delivery of high-quality research that is inclusive, accessible, and improves health and care.

South Central RDN is hosted by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

Support for Primary Care Research

The National Institute for Health Research works with researchers and primary care practitioners such as GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists and dentists to promote the successful delivery of research studies in the NHS. We support a wide range of research including studies which look at:

  • Promoting a healthier lifestyle
  • Disease diagnosis and prevention
  • Management of long-term illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension
  • Prevention of future ill-health
  • Treating common conditions such as influenza

Following GDPR Guidelines and Ensuring Your Data is Protected

Use of third-party document outsource processors (mailing companies)

Researchers regularly use document outsource processors such as Docmail to send study information to people who might be interested in taking part in clinical research. Only companies that are confirmed as being fully compliant with the laws surrounding data protection and data sharing, such as GDPR, are used. In addition to this, providers will be reviewed and permitted by the regulatory bodies that ethically approve, govern, and oversee clinical research taking place in the UK, such as the NHS Health Research Authority and Research Ethics Committees.

We would like to reassure you that, should you receive an invite to participate in a research study:

  • The letter will have come directly from the practice. We do not share identifiable information with researchers without patient consent.
  • It is our practice staff who perform research mailouts using the document outsource processor. Your contact details will not be shared outside of the system and will be deleted after 28 days.

This practice is also participating in Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research Surveillance Centre (RSC) national database project(s) which collects anonymised electronic medical records from GP surgeries throughout the UK. Through the electronic clinical system, we use to record medical notes, a completely anonymous (i.e. no identifiable patient details are shared at all) extract is taken which is used for medical research. This clinical data is then catalogued and provides continuous monitoring of infection and disease around the UK. Please see further information on RCGP RSC & CPRD below.

Practice Collaboration With Research Data Registries

Clinical Practice Research Datalink

We are part of Clinical Practice Research Datalink which means that we contribute de-identified data to CPRD (Clinical Practice Research Datalink) for public health research. CPRD is a real-world research service supporting retrospective and prospective public health and clinical studies and is jointly sponsored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the National Institute for Health Research (National Institute for Health and Care Research), as part of the
Department of Health and Social Care.

Individual patients cannot be identified from this information but you are able to opt out if you prefer. Protecting the confidentiality of patient data is paramount, and only anonymised patient data is provided to researchers.

 

Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research Surveillance Centre (RSC) 

We are part of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research Surveillance Centre (RSC) which means that we contribute de-identified data to the RSC for public health research.

The RSC is an active research and surveillance unit that collects and monitors data, in particular Influenza, from practices across England. Individual patients cannot be identified from this information.

What Are The Benefits Of Your Practice Being Active In Research?

Evidence suggests that patients who receive care in research-active institutions have better health outcomes than those who are treated in a non-research environment.
By joining the research community, we are actively helping to improve the standard of healthcare for our patients.

Research provides an opportunity for you, the patient, to better understand your health conditions as well as give something back to the NHS and wider community.
Sometimes it can provide patients with access to new treatments, as well as bringing a new dimension to practice and added skills to those involved.
The practice will receive funding to cover any additional costs of taking part in research (it does not come out of our own budget and so routine patient services will not be affected).

Patient Perspective

Is research right for me & what do patients taking part in research really think?

Ultimately, our research helps people to access and take part in studies which could potentially make a real difference to their health conditions and quality of life. 

The links below have more information from patients who have taken part in research: 

 

Recent feedback from patients who have taken part in research at the practice

Great research opportunities
★★★★★
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 30 December 2024
I would like to give some feedback regarding the research studies being run at the practice. I have been involved in several studies e.g. studies for respiratory infections and urine infections, and feel it’s so important that as patients we have access to these studies, as it gives us an opportunity to give something back. I have found, the research manager leads the research with great knowledge, efficiency and professionalism, providing full details and no ‘hard sell’. I feel the practice’s research team is a forerunner in providing these opportunities to the patients, however, I do think there should me more exposure on the website, via the PPG or indeed using social media to promote the wonderful job they’re doing and encourage more people to take part. Well done St Bart’s, for providing a vast range of studies for different people to be involved with, shame a few other surgeries aren’t as proactive in research. A grateful patient.
Visited December 2024

Research Trial
★★★★★
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 07 January 2025
I took part in a medical trial for the Rsv vaccine finishing in 2024. The staff at St Bartholomew's were friendly and professional throughout. They responded to my questions and concerns promptly, and I appreciated having a named contact through the whole of the trial.
Visited December 2024

Great Practice
★★★★★
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 10 January 2025
I recently had the opportunity to take part in a research study conducted directly at the practice. The recruitment process, led by s.m. and her team, was excellent—they clearly explained everything and ensured I felt comfortable throughout. I never felt pressured to participate, and the appointment itself was efficiently handled, taking only slightly longer than a routine visit. I appreciated the extra tests and the professionalism of the research staff, who were attentive and thorough. This specific experience highlighted the practice’s dedication to supporting meaningful research while maintaining a patient-focused approach.
Visited November 2024

Excellent Practice in all areas
★★★★★
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Garry - Posted on 29 November 2024
Reception personnel pro active in organising an appointment with the appropriate clinician. Waiting time acceptable. The Dr seen was succinct with due regard to my symptoms then diagnosis. ( I prefer this approach) . I was invited to take part in a research study. This had relevance to my condition. I Accepted. I was introduced to the Research Manager. She was proficient and amenable in approach. She clearly explained the rationale of the ‘Study’ , its requirements , what was expected of me and my participation and also the legalities involved including data protection. The study lasted 14 days . I was informed of its findings fairly swiftly after its conclusion by the Research Managers assistant. All in all a worthwhile experience and would be happy to undergo further research studies if my symptoms have relevance.
Visited November 2024

Awards and Recognitions

Awards received which recognise those who have made a significant contribution to health research in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes (awarded by the NIHR Thames Valley & South Midland Clinical Research Network)

  • 2022: Clare Murray, nominated for “Outstanding Clinical Research Practitioner”
  • 2019: Sophie Maslen, nominated for “Going the extra mile”.
  • 2018: Attained Gold Level in Research
  • 2017: Exceptional Research Strategy
  • 2016: Exceptional Primary Care Team

Who Can I Talk To At The Practice?

For any research queries, please give Sophie Maslen, Clinical Research Manager a call on 01865 244435